Various Types of Equipment Used by WGPRS
Equipment used by WGPRS
WGPRS uses various types of equipment during our investigations. Since there is no "certified" paranormal equipment, we use tools and measuring devices that are universally accepted and used by others in the paranormal community.
Still Image Cameras
There are two primary types of still image cameras. The most common is the digital camera. Digital cameras allow investigators to instantly see the image. These cameras also save money, since there is no expense involved with buying film or processing. There is a down side to these types of cameras. Digital cameras at higher resolutions tend to display false positives in the form of "orbs". Digital cameras also allow investigators to enlarge, crop,or adjusti the brightness and contrast of the image. However, this since digital images can be easily manipulated, a digital image is not considered as the most reliable proof of evidence.
The other common type of still image camera is a film based camera. While inexpensive to purchase, they are still costly due to the fact that you must purchase film and pay for processing. You also have to wait until the film is processed to see the results. The negatives created by these type cameras offer a greater degree of proof.
Video Cameras
Video cameras come in several common types too. The most common used are the hand held tape video recorder and the hand held digital video recorder. The most common hand held is the Sony Camcorder. These cameras are very popular because of a process called Nightshot. This allows the camera to see in total darkness. With infrared illuminators, the range of the camera to see in darkness is increased.
Thermometers
Thermometers are commonly used by investigators to measure for "cold spots" believed to be sometimes created by paranormal activity. There are many types of thermometers and most all of them will work. The main problem that you will find is how quickly they detect a change in temperature and how fast they can display that information. One of the types used is a hand held laser spot thermometer. This type will shoot a beam that will detect and register a temperature at a remote location from the device. This device does not have a great range, but can be used quite effectively in an enclosed area. The temp reading is immediately displayed on a digital read out and is constantly updated.
Another commonly used thermometer is the ambient temperature thermometer (thermocouple). This type thermometer measures air temperature in a general area and is very useful for detecting moving "cold spots".
Temperature Recording Software
There are also software programs that allow for extended monitoring of a particular area. These monitors use small probes that can be placed in an area and left unattended for hours at a time. They measure temperatures and humidity, and can be set to take readings at various intervals. This data can be uploaded to a computer and then charted to detect abnormalities.
Audio Recording Equipment
Another popular method of obtaining data is EVP or Electronic Voice Phenomena recording. This uses an audio recording device to record voices and sounds that are not noticed or heard by the human ear. These devices may either be a stand alone type of unit, such as a hand held recorder, or combined with video recording units such as standard camcorders. When using tape devices, it is always good to use new tapes each time. This will help eliminate the possibility of bad overwrites creating "artifacts" or false sounds on a re-used tape.
Infrared Detection
Another commonly used device is the infrared motion detector. These devices "see" movement in the infrared spectrum and activates an alarm. These type devices are commonly used for burglar alarm systems in residential and business sites.
Two Way Radio Communications
These devices are useful to maintain communications between team members and for general safety reasons during an investigation.
CCTV Cameras
We also use camcorders connected through a CCTV camera system. This allows us to monitor 4 cameras at once through a central location and also record these cameras simultaneously from one place.
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